Customer Reviews

John Mayer: Room for Squares

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have to write a review in response to Raymond Lopez's review of this disc.
Ray I would agree with you that Enhanced Stereo is a load of rubbish and that putting out a disc with 16-bit 48hz audio is no different than a CD and a waste of the medium, but my friend this is not just an Enhanced Stereo release.
This disc also includes some very cool video footage, but the key elements are the audio.
Mr Lopez suggests that there is nothing Enhanced on this DualDisc - but people that is a GOOD THING.
Check this - Sony keeps putting out a number of discs with Enhanced Stereo on them.
CD = 16-bit 44.1hz audio
Enhanced Stereo = 16-bit 48Hz stereo
There's hardly any difference there at all - it's a complete sham.
Now onto DualDisc titles like Nine Inch Nails' "With Teeth" and "The Downward Spiral" or Dire Straits "Brothers In Arms." These discs are all released with Advanced Resolution 5.1 surround tracks on them that are stunning. They blow Enhanced Stereo away.
Again
CD = 16-bit 44.1Hz audio
Enhanced Stereo = 16-bit 48Hz stereo
John Mayer RFS Dual Disc = Dolby Digital 5.1 multichannel audio.
NIN - Downward Spiral DualDisc = 24-bit 48Hz 5.1 multichannel audio

Please for anyone else wondering if this disc is worth it - if you have a home theatre system and a DVD-Video player, or better yet have a DVD-Audio or SACD player, then check out some of the DualDisc titles, but look at what's on the disc. Enhanced Stereo is a load of rubbish, Advanced Resolution DVD-Audio (like the kind found on many DualDisc titles) is not rubbish and takes audio appreciation to the next level.

EDIT - please note this disc has Dolby Digital 5.1 which can be played through a DVD-Video player. It DOES NOT have advanced resolution DVD-Audio on it. The best quality version of this release is the SACD version.

Well, if you love John Mayer (which you either do or don't) then you will like this dual-disc. I have the original Room For Squares but bought this as my obsession with the handsome young man has been growing. Honestly, the DVD was why I got it. It is a good little synoptic look into the pre-"world"famous John. It shows how regular the guy is and that he plays music out of sheer delight, pleasure and talent. That is why I seem to love him so much. As for the CD, well it is the CD. So if you love John you will enjoy the vingette (which seems to be alot of home video stuff so you get a glimpse of the real man... breakdancing, water-guzzling, laundry and all! As for the previous reviewer who is obviously pissed off about the whole dual-disc thing....just don't buy anymore and try to blame it on John.

I dug this album at friends houses for a while, but never actually bought it because I was hearing it all the time. I purchased Heavier Things and really liked that. Once Sony announced the DualDisc version I decided I'd finally buy it. Like all the 5.1 releases I have bought so far I love feeling like I'm in the middle of the studio where they recorded it. Just remember you have to play the disc through a system capable of decofding 5.1 to enjoy the surround mix...it is SO worth it!

Any John Mayer fan must have this album and the video was pretty cool too.

I actually liked only about 2 songs on this CD....
I gave it to someone that loves John Mayer and actually
likes the fact you cannot understand a single lyric he
is singing!!! LOL

1. No Such Thing*****
2. Why Georgia****
3. My Stupid Mouth****1/2
4. Your Body Is a Wonderland****
5. Neon*****
6. City Love*****1/2
7. 83****1/2
8. 3X5****1/2
9. Love Song for No One****1/4
10. Back to You****
11. Great Indoors****1/4
12. Not Myself*****1/4 Melancholy goodness. I feel like this sometimes. Don't We all?
Don't ask Me why there is NO track 13. It just goes to...
14. St. Patrick's Day***** Great, real lyrics.

69.75/13...4.596153846153846 = 4.596

4.596 = 4.6

4.6 stars.

I loved that they also released this album in 5.1 surround, but I was expecting the mixes to be similar to the ones on "Heavier Things".

It starts great until it reaches "Neon". Seems to me that some elements of the song are missing (or mixed way too low), like a synth that you hear on the chorus (of the stereo mix).
And 3x5 is even more weird, with a two-note plucking acoustic guitar loop that is (intentionally) burried on the stereo mix here is mixed louder on one of the sides and it's distracting.

I still think it's worth buying because of the songs that DON'T sound strange on the surround mix and the video bonus.

I love this album, but was really disappointed that my CD-Rom Drive in my computer won't even recognize the audio side of the album. That's because, as I gather, I have iTunes installed and apparently it doesn't like iPods. So for that, I give the Dual Disc 1 star. I don't see why I cannot enjoy the tunes I buy in a format (or device) of my choice.

I did like the DVD featurette of John's home video of recording the album/touring/about to hit it big. A nice time capsule.

as with all the SONY/BMG titles on the dualdisc format, this one is also crap, and i will be honest i only buy these so i can return them and complain, i already know they are not enhanced, i figure the more people i complain to, the sooner sony will have to listen, so far BEST BUY, CIRCUIT CITY, MEDIAPLAY, SAM GOODY AND NOT TO MENTION QUITE A FEW OTHERS, already know about this, and i am slowly starting to plant the seed about sony and their lies, so far so good. some of you may think i am being petty, but the bottom line is this:dont call something enhanced when it really isnt, be honest and tell people that the dvd and cd layers are identical. and if enough people dont care than it will be fine, but give people the chance to know before buying. sony continues to make things difficult for the consumer and they should be held accountable.

by the way, i love this cd. but the dualdisc sucks!!!